Orbán allows EU countries to opt-out of asylum rules

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has expressed his belief that each EU member state should have the autonomy to manage its own asylum and migration policies. This statement was made during a press conference at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on October 8, 2024. Orbán announced that Hungary has officially requested an opt-out from the EU's common migration policy, following the Netherlands' lead. He emphasized that while maintaining a unified migration policy is acceptable for some countries, those opposed should be allowed to opt-out to prevent further division within the EU. Orbán criticized the current EU approach to migration, describing it as a 'minefield' and asserting that Hungary fundamentally disagrees with it. He praised the Netherlands for being the first to request an opt-out, calling it a 'civilized action.' During the press conference, he acknowledged the negative perception many European nations have of Hungary, using self-deprecating humor to address this issue. The process for obtaining an opt-out is complex, as it requires amendments to the EU treaty and unanimous agreement from all member states, which Orbán acknowledged is currently seen as unlikely. He indicated that discussions would continue regarding the request and the potential need for treaty changes, emphasizing a step-by-step approach to the matter. This development highlights ongoing tensions within the EU regarding migration policies and the differing stances of member states, particularly between those advocating for a unified approach and those seeking greater autonomy in handling migration issues.